'Sewapuri ashram' rejuvenated to promote Khadi once again

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), who had been leaving no stone unturned for the revival of The Sewapuri Ashram, finally re-inaugurated it on September 17. The Ashram was reopened by Vinai Kumar Saxena, the KVIC Chairman, who reopened it in presence of the Uttar Pradesh Minister of Khadi and Village Industries Satyadev Pachauri, the Machhlishahr MP Ram Charitra Nishad and representatives of several Khadi institutions.

The Sewapuri Ashram, initially, was set up on November 5, 1946 by a group of Gandhians – all hailing from a well-known Khadi institution of Gandhian era 'Kshatriya Shri Gandhi Ashram' – under the guidance of the Mahatma Gandhiji, to promote khadi and provide employment to weavers. But, due to financial crunch and lack of proper management, the center was closed in 1990 and since then this erstwhile glorious centre that played a crucial role in the promotion of khadi, virtually turned into a testimony of negligence.

Apart from the aforementioned inauguration ceremony, certain other initiatives taken by KVIC were also mentioned at the event. These include:

First ever unit of 25 0 solar charkhas and 25 solar loom under a single roof in the country

First ever CSR funds sanctioned for Khadi activities in the country

First ever Lijjat Papad manufacturing unit in Varanasi district

First ever apiary with 100 bee-boxes for honey-production and training to employees in Varanasi

First ever edible salt manufacturing and packaging unit by any Khadi Institution in the country

A training centre to develop skills in Agarbatti-making, leather goods, soaps and detergent production

Revival of the old training center along with the appointment of 10 trained teaching faculties

Speaking at the inauguration of the centre, which in fact coincided with the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Saxena said that KVIC had decided to celebrate 'Sewa Diwas' with its socio-economic welfare agenda. "It is really a 'dream come true' for the people of this area as the re-launching of this Ashram is like restoring their fading legacy. I hope this Ashram will give direct employment to more than 1,000 people of this area."